This week, I've been trying to find a book to suit my mood, and I still haven't come across it. I just want something real, with some humor and some sadness, but not too much drama. I need a book about a single 30-something who is trying to figure out how to be an adult. But not the media version of a 30-something person. Nothing too contrived, nothing over the top, nothing with a serious moral or anything. A character who has some good moral standards, and isn't extreme in any obnoxious way. Just a normal person trying to figure out life. I want a book about someone like me, only better. (My life is too dramatic at the moment). Is there anything like that?
Showing posts with label leisure reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leisure reading. Show all posts
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Filler
This week, everyone seemed to ask me what I was reading, and I found myself wishing I had something more substantial to tell them. I was reading Maskerade, by Terry Pratchett. Which, I enjoyed immensely. I do enjoy Terry Pratchett. And when I say that his books are filler, I don't mean that in a bad way. I mean that they are reliable literature that I'm sure to enjoy. I actually picked it up because I was having a hard time making progress in the book I was reading. Anyway, it is good to have books you can fall back on when nothing is calling your name. I've also been falling back on Wodehouse, which is a new fun fall back. Agatha Christie is a fallback for me, too. And re-reading favorites is always a good option.
Anyway, I'm enjoying what I am reading, but I feel like there is something I'm craving--like a food craving, only with literature--and I can't figure out what it is. Nothing is striking my fancy. I just need to browse or figure out what it is. Hopefully I'll have more success at that than I've had with figuring out what I'm craving food-wise. I'll let you know.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
In my spare time
So, this week is a "what am I reading" week, or what I've been reading, or what I'll be reading soon.
I just finished The Wide-Awake Princess, by E.D. Baker. This is the author that, based on the book jacket, wrote the book that inspired Disney's The Frog Princess. Anyway, I really like the plot twist on this story, which is a version of Sleeping Beauty. I did feel like it was really weird to have this young woman (teenager, it seems) talking about being interested in a man, especially in a youth book, but I don't know how else you would say it. And, I am an adult, while the book was written for children, say 9-12, so I can't really judge. I don't remember if something like that would stand out to a young reader.
Now I am reading Keeping the Castle, by Patrice Kindl. I'm only on chapter 5, but so far, it really is just what the reviews claim it is, a cross between I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith and Jane Austen (take your pick). I'm enjoying it.
I'm also in the midst of The Phone Book, by Ammon Shea. It's random, and it sounds absolutely tedious, but it is really quite interesting. Shea's writing style is entertaining and not heavy at all. Lots of little bits of trivia and random stories.
Up on the docket is Wait: The Art and Science of Delay by Frank Partnoy. This was recommended by my sister, and I haven't started it yet, but I'm excited about it.
So, those are a few things I'm reading at present. I've been listening to a few others, some Agatha Christie and more Thursday Next novels. So, staying busy on the reading front.
I just finished The Wide-Awake Princess, by E.D. Baker. This is the author that, based on the book jacket, wrote the book that inspired Disney's The Frog Princess. Anyway, I really like the plot twist on this story, which is a version of Sleeping Beauty. I did feel like it was really weird to have this young woman (teenager, it seems) talking about being interested in a man, especially in a youth book, but I don't know how else you would say it. And, I am an adult, while the book was written for children, say 9-12, so I can't really judge. I don't remember if something like that would stand out to a young reader.
Now I am reading Keeping the Castle, by Patrice Kindl. I'm only on chapter 5, but so far, it really is just what the reviews claim it is, a cross between I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith and Jane Austen (take your pick). I'm enjoying it.
I'm also in the midst of The Phone Book, by Ammon Shea. It's random, and it sounds absolutely tedious, but it is really quite interesting. Shea's writing style is entertaining and not heavy at all. Lots of little bits of trivia and random stories.
Up on the docket is Wait: The Art and Science of Delay by Frank Partnoy. This was recommended by my sister, and I haven't started it yet, but I'm excited about it.
So, those are a few things I'm reading at present. I've been listening to a few others, some Agatha Christie and more Thursday Next novels. So, staying busy on the reading front.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
On the docket
Well, it's the time of year when everyone is planning for the next 12 months and I've been looking over my list of things to read trying to pick out which ones are highest on my to-read list. Of course, this is all relative because in about 5 minutes, I'll stumble across some new intriguing book that I'm just dying to read even though I've never heard of it before and so my whole list will get rearranged. That being said, here are some of the books I'm eyeballing for the 2013 Reading List:
Princess of the Silver Woods, Jessica Day George
Wednesdays in the Tower, Jessica Day George
Travels with Charley or some other Steinbeck book, just to give him a try
Dark Lord: The Early Years, Jamie Thomson
84 Charing Cross Road, Helene Hanff (I just watched the movie, it was really enjoyable)
The Once and Future King, TH White
The End of Your Life Book Club, Will Schwalbe
Wait: The Art and Science of Delay, Frank Partnoy
George, Nicholas and Wilhelm: Three Royal Cousins and the Road to World War I, by Miranda Carter
I also want to read some more books by Aline, Countess of Romanones. I plan to finish the Thursday Next books by Jasper Fforde, and I imagine there will be some Terry Pratchett in the mix. I also want to read The Hobbit in Spanish, which would technically be El Hobbit. So, there are some good things on the horizon and there is a lot of reading to do in the coming months. Always good to keep busy!
Princess of the Silver Woods, Jessica Day George
Wednesdays in the Tower, Jessica Day George
Travels with Charley or some other Steinbeck book, just to give him a try
Dark Lord: The Early Years, Jamie Thomson
84 Charing Cross Road, Helene Hanff (I just watched the movie, it was really enjoyable)
The Once and Future King, TH White
The End of Your Life Book Club, Will Schwalbe
Wait: The Art and Science of Delay, Frank Partnoy
George, Nicholas and Wilhelm: Three Royal Cousins and the Road to World War I, by Miranda Carter
I also want to read some more books by Aline, Countess of Romanones. I plan to finish the Thursday Next books by Jasper Fforde, and I imagine there will be some Terry Pratchett in the mix. I also want to read The Hobbit in Spanish, which would technically be El Hobbit. So, there are some good things on the horizon and there is a lot of reading to do in the coming months. Always good to keep busy!
Friday, August 17, 2012
stupidity
This week, for some reason I don't now recall, I read Stupid American history : tales of stupidity, strangeness, and mythconceptions by Leland Gregory. I can't say it was a horrible book. I mean, it was quick and easy to read. But about half of the bits of trivia were corrections of misconceptions, right (Thus the 'mythconception' in the title)? And is it just me, or doesn't it seem like if you are going to correct something and establish a fact, you would provide a resource? No resources. None. Zero. No citations (other than a random handful--four or five--that were dropped in with the fact). How do I know it is true? How can I be sure it's not made up like the previous misconception? I was a little disappointed. Maybe it's because I'm an archivist and so I feel like these things should be documented.
It was also interesting (and again, this is the archivist me) that there were certain facts that were hearsay. For example, what Benedict Arnold may or may not have said on his deathbed. One story says one thing, but because his wife wrote down a different account, that must be true. Well, just because something is written doesn't make it true. And his wife may have had reasons not to be truthful about his last words. Or she may be right. Who knows? I wasn't there, and neither was this guy, and since there is no citation of his source or why it should be trusted, who knows what is true? That is the beauty of history. It's so spinnable.
Anyway, I've also read some other books. I started Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis (who knew he did sci-fi?), read The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, which I really enjoyed. Juvenile fiction, story about a gorilla with a mission. Nice heartwarming story, interesting perspective, gets you thinking a little. I've been listening to a few books on CD--most notably the Artemis Fowl series, an oldie but goodie that I can read over and over again. I've taken a bit more time to dig in to some reading, which has been nice. I still have an enormous book list, but in time. I'm glad that reading has felt more relaxing lately. Always a plus.
Anyway, I hope that you have enjoyed some good books lately, and that you'll overlook the archival rant!
It was also interesting (and again, this is the archivist me) that there were certain facts that were hearsay. For example, what Benedict Arnold may or may not have said on his deathbed. One story says one thing, but because his wife wrote down a different account, that must be true. Well, just because something is written doesn't make it true. And his wife may have had reasons not to be truthful about his last words. Or she may be right. Who knows? I wasn't there, and neither was this guy, and since there is no citation of his source or why it should be trusted, who knows what is true? That is the beauty of history. It's so spinnable.
Anyway, I've also read some other books. I started Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis (who knew he did sci-fi?), read The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, which I really enjoyed. Juvenile fiction, story about a gorilla with a mission. Nice heartwarming story, interesting perspective, gets you thinking a little. I've been listening to a few books on CD--most notably the Artemis Fowl series, an oldie but goodie that I can read over and over again. I've taken a bit more time to dig in to some reading, which has been nice. I still have an enormous book list, but in time. I'm glad that reading has felt more relaxing lately. Always a plus.
Anyway, I hope that you have enjoyed some good books lately, and that you'll overlook the archival rant!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
But wait! There's more....
This week, I finished listening to The King's Speech, by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi. It was terrific, especially if you like history. I really wanted to see the movie, but couldn't for the simple fact that I have this standard of no R movies. So, I did the next best thing--or maybe the better thing--and listened to the book. It was terrific. You get your British history, your world history, your WWII history, your medical history (the history of speech therapy), a lot of biography, and your speech therapy/psychology. Highlights:
-King George VI was a really good person. There have been a lot of rotten rulers from a lot of countries and from every time, but this guy was a pretty stand-up person. It's always great to read about a quality person.
-The perspective people had on stammerers and speech 'defects' (not my phrasing). It is kind of mind boggling. The trend was to treat it all as a psychological problem. So, Lionel Logue approached it as a physical problem, and it got some good results. Of course, there is a psychological element--any physical problem has psychological effects. But Logue helped people move past the physical problem, and that resolved any psychological side effects.
-Score one for archivists! This is a great example of how valuable our records can be.
Verdict: Well written story, definitely a worthwhile read.
But wait...there's more!
I also finished The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. So, I have mixed feelings about this one. It was interesting, and I would say it was good, but to say it was good seems the wrong approach. And it isn't really a question of did I like it or not. This is one of those books that just doesn't fit into the regular categories. 'Good' and "liked it' don't seem to be the right words. Should you choose to read it,you should know it is a bit risque, on the surface, but there is more to the story than that, and that is not what the story is about. -Ask people you trust, people who know you and your standards before you read it. There are a lot of really interesting issues addressed in the book, but the route it takes may not be up your alley. (I don't know if there is any other route that could have been taken).
Verdict: I liked the book. I think Atwood is a good author. But read with caution.
But wait...there's more!
I am currently listening to Planet Google: One Company's Audacious Plan To Organize Everything We Know, by Randall Stross. It is fascinating! I think I mentioned that this was a random choice at the library. But it turned out to be serendipitous. So far, the book has covered Google's dedication to openness, their approach to business, their growth, the Google Books project (which, I have heard a lot about, but this was a new perspective), Google translate (so interesting!), and the acquisition of YouTube. Just to name a few topics. I am learning a lot about Google, which, given it's huge presence in the world, can't be a bad thing. I haven't finished the book yet, but I definitely like it. I think the major disappointment is that the book was published in 2008, so there are 4 packed years that aren't covered!
Verdict: A delightful surprise, I'm really glad I pulled it.
But wait! One more...
I am also reading A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle. An oldie but a goodie. I have read this one before, but it's been a while, so I'm doing a reread. I have a niece who has been dragging her feet about reading this one, but I've got to get her to read it. It's terrific, so far. (But having read it before, I know it's good). I think I'm going to have to read more of L'Engle's books, though.
Verdict: A must read for everyone.
But wait! Just kidding. That's all for now. I did remember one more book I'm listening to, but I'll save that for later. I think I've reviewed enough for now. So, there you go. Happy reading!
-King George VI was a really good person. There have been a lot of rotten rulers from a lot of countries and from every time, but this guy was a pretty stand-up person. It's always great to read about a quality person.
-The perspective people had on stammerers and speech 'defects' (not my phrasing). It is kind of mind boggling. The trend was to treat it all as a psychological problem. So, Lionel Logue approached it as a physical problem, and it got some good results. Of course, there is a psychological element--any physical problem has psychological effects. But Logue helped people move past the physical problem, and that resolved any psychological side effects.
-Score one for archivists! This is a great example of how valuable our records can be.
Verdict: Well written story, definitely a worthwhile read.
But wait...there's more!
I also finished The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. So, I have mixed feelings about this one. It was interesting, and I would say it was good, but to say it was good seems the wrong approach. And it isn't really a question of did I like it or not. This is one of those books that just doesn't fit into the regular categories. 'Good' and "liked it' don't seem to be the right words. Should you choose to read it,you should know it is a bit risque, on the surface, but there is more to the story than that, and that is not what the story is about. -Ask people you trust, people who know you and your standards before you read it. There are a lot of really interesting issues addressed in the book, but the route it takes may not be up your alley. (I don't know if there is any other route that could have been taken).
Verdict: I liked the book. I think Atwood is a good author. But read with caution.
But wait...there's more!
I am currently listening to Planet Google: One Company's Audacious Plan To Organize Everything We Know, by Randall Stross. It is fascinating! I think I mentioned that this was a random choice at the library. But it turned out to be serendipitous. So far, the book has covered Google's dedication to openness, their approach to business, their growth, the Google Books project (which, I have heard a lot about, but this was a new perspective), Google translate (so interesting!), and the acquisition of YouTube. Just to name a few topics. I am learning a lot about Google, which, given it's huge presence in the world, can't be a bad thing. I haven't finished the book yet, but I definitely like it. I think the major disappointment is that the book was published in 2008, so there are 4 packed years that aren't covered!
Verdict: A delightful surprise, I'm really glad I pulled it.
But wait! One more...
I am also reading A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle. An oldie but a goodie. I have read this one before, but it's been a while, so I'm doing a reread. I have a niece who has been dragging her feet about reading this one, but I've got to get her to read it. It's terrific, so far. (But having read it before, I know it's good). I think I'm going to have to read more of L'Engle's books, though.
Verdict: A must read for everyone.
But wait! Just kidding. That's all for now. I did remember one more book I'm listening to, but I'll save that for later. I think I've reviewed enough for now. So, there you go. Happy reading!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Not in the mood
I'm in the middle of multiple books right now, but not quite done with any of them. I finished Starship Troopers, by Robert Heinlein last week, and I really enjoyed it. If you are looking for military sci-fi, it's a must read. If you are looking for a young man coming of age book, it's also a must read.
Anyway. Have you ever had one of those times when certain books just aren't fitting your mood? I usually read a pretty decent amount of young adult fiction. (Hey, I'm an aunt of young adults, I have to keep up on these things!) It's quick and easy, clean (generally), and some of the best, most thought provoking literature was written for this audience. (One example: The Giver by Lois Lowry, amazing dystopian novel. Definitely thought provoking. And it looks like they are making a movie of it!) Well, I had a couple of books checked out for this age group, and I started reading them, and I just couldn't get into them. One of them was just too over the top: fifteen year old girl on her way to an interview as a governess, worrying about the most ludicrously impossible things in the world. Way too dramatic. The other one had a potentially good plot, but I just couldn't get into it. I just wanted something deeper, something on my level. So I made a decision. I returned the books to the library and didn't read them.
Sometimes, I have moods in literature. And it seems like when I am in those moods, I can never find the book I'm looking for (what is it with unsatisfied cravings?!). Fortunately, this mood is pretty broad: I just want stuff that isn't written for teenagers or grade school students. I have discovered, though, that my list of adult fiction authors is pretty sparse. But, on the bright side, there is lots of space to fill, so I can experiment and find lots of new authors to enjoy. If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears (eyes? Since I'm assuming you'd mention them in the comments?) And I'll let you know what I discover, too. Serendipitous discovery--one of the great joys of reading. (ah, another post topic...)
Anyway. Have you ever had one of those times when certain books just aren't fitting your mood? I usually read a pretty decent amount of young adult fiction. (Hey, I'm an aunt of young adults, I have to keep up on these things!) It's quick and easy, clean (generally), and some of the best, most thought provoking literature was written for this audience. (One example: The Giver by Lois Lowry, amazing dystopian novel. Definitely thought provoking. And it looks like they are making a movie of it!) Well, I had a couple of books checked out for this age group, and I started reading them, and I just couldn't get into them. One of them was just too over the top: fifteen year old girl on her way to an interview as a governess, worrying about the most ludicrously impossible things in the world. Way too dramatic. The other one had a potentially good plot, but I just couldn't get into it. I just wanted something deeper, something on my level. So I made a decision. I returned the books to the library and didn't read them.
Sometimes, I have moods in literature. And it seems like when I am in those moods, I can never find the book I'm looking for (what is it with unsatisfied cravings?!). Fortunately, this mood is pretty broad: I just want stuff that isn't written for teenagers or grade school students. I have discovered, though, that my list of adult fiction authors is pretty sparse. But, on the bright side, there is lots of space to fill, so I can experiment and find lots of new authors to enjoy. If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears (eyes? Since I'm assuming you'd mention them in the comments?) And I'll let you know what I discover, too. Serendipitous discovery--one of the great joys of reading. (ah, another post topic...)
Friday, June 8, 2012
Watcha Readin?*
I had a brilliant idea for a post, and now I can't remember at all what it was. Which is why I should write things down. I'm sure at some point in my life it will come back to me. Anyway, since I haven't really finished any books this week, and summer is here, I thought I would post on some of the books on my to-read list. It should be noted that this is not a comprehensive list. This is just the books I have checked out from the library at present and plan on reading/listening to.
How to Live in a Science Fictional Universe, by Charlie Yu. (cd)
I came across this one randomly and it seemed interesting. I don't know how it will turn out, since I don't know of anyone who has read it before, but it will be an adventure.
The Te of Piglet, by Benjamin Hoff.
I read The Tao of Pooh for a college class, and I really enjoyed it, and not too long ago, I discovered this book and I am hoping to find this one as enjoyable. As far as I know it builds on The Tao of Pooh so I am sure I will enjoy it. Same topic, same approach, I think, so I can't go wrong.
The King's Speech, by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi. (cd)
I really wish I could have seen this movie, but I am kind of a baby when it comes to ratings. I watched another movie about the same story and I figure, books usually top movies anyway.
Planet Google: One Company's Audacious Plan to Organize Everything We Know, by Randall Stross. (cd)
This is another random shelf pick. But, since I studied information science, it seemed somewhat relevant, and I figured, why not?
The Brenner Assignment: The Untold Story of the most Daring Spy Mission of World War II, by Patrick K. O'Donnell.
This one is an Amazon recommend book. But, it's about World War II and spies, so how can you go wrong?
Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters, by Lesley MM Blume.
Another Amazon recommend, and yes, young adult fiction, but I have to keep current. I have a lot of nieces counting on me for book recommendations.
Write It When I'm Gone: Remarkable Off-the-Record Conversations with Gerald R. Ford, by Thomas M. deFrank.
So, I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Grand Rapids, home of the Gerald R. Ford Museum which created some interest in Gerald Ford (whose real name was not Gerald Ford. Who knew?) The other day, I had a chance to do some browsing at the library and remembered I wanted to learn more about Ford. This book was on the shelf, so it won.
Nicholas and Alexandra, by Robert K. Massie.
This one was recommended by a friend of mine. She said it was really good, and I do like history, so I checked it out.
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L'Engle.
I have read this one a long time ago and have been wanting to read it again. I also want my niece to read it, and checking it out was a good way to accomplish that.
This seems like a very adult list, which I must admit, is not at all typical for me. But, I felt like I needed to challenge myself a bit. And I do have a box of books I brought with me when I moved (most of my books are in storage), and there are some fun ones in there, so I have plenty to mix it up a bit. Now I just need to do some reading!
*This is, of course, a reference to Disney's Phineas and Ferb. Excellent show, I recommend it. Gotta give credit.
How to Live in a Science Fictional Universe, by Charlie Yu. (cd)
I came across this one randomly and it seemed interesting. I don't know how it will turn out, since I don't know of anyone who has read it before, but it will be an adventure.
The Te of Piglet, by Benjamin Hoff.
I read The Tao of Pooh for a college class, and I really enjoyed it, and not too long ago, I discovered this book and I am hoping to find this one as enjoyable. As far as I know it builds on The Tao of Pooh so I am sure I will enjoy it. Same topic, same approach, I think, so I can't go wrong.
The King's Speech, by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi. (cd)
I really wish I could have seen this movie, but I am kind of a baby when it comes to ratings. I watched another movie about the same story and I figure, books usually top movies anyway.
Planet Google: One Company's Audacious Plan to Organize Everything We Know, by Randall Stross. (cd)
This is another random shelf pick. But, since I studied information science, it seemed somewhat relevant, and I figured, why not?
The Brenner Assignment: The Untold Story of the most Daring Spy Mission of World War II, by Patrick K. O'Donnell.
This one is an Amazon recommend book. But, it's about World War II and spies, so how can you go wrong?
Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters, by Lesley MM Blume.
Another Amazon recommend, and yes, young adult fiction, but I have to keep current. I have a lot of nieces counting on me for book recommendations.
Write It When I'm Gone: Remarkable Off-the-Record Conversations with Gerald R. Ford, by Thomas M. deFrank.
So, I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Grand Rapids, home of the Gerald R. Ford Museum which created some interest in Gerald Ford (whose real name was not Gerald Ford. Who knew?) The other day, I had a chance to do some browsing at the library and remembered I wanted to learn more about Ford. This book was on the shelf, so it won.
Nicholas and Alexandra, by Robert K. Massie.
This one was recommended by a friend of mine. She said it was really good, and I do like history, so I checked it out.
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L'Engle.
I have read this one a long time ago and have been wanting to read it again. I also want my niece to read it, and checking it out was a good way to accomplish that.
This seems like a very adult list, which I must admit, is not at all typical for me. But, I felt like I needed to challenge myself a bit. And I do have a box of books I brought with me when I moved (most of my books are in storage), and there are some fun ones in there, so I have plenty to mix it up a bit. Now I just need to do some reading!
*This is, of course, a reference to Disney's Phineas and Ferb. Excellent show, I recommend it. Gotta give credit.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
So much to read, so little time
I have a serious problem. There are too many books to read. At present, I am in the middle of 5 books, not counting the one I started over a year ago about English history (no, I am not making balanced progress on all of them, but they are all on my list and I am past page one and I started them within the last 3 months), and my to read list is over 50 books long. True, it probably needs to be culled. But still...there are WAY too many books to read.
My dilemma is not helped by having access to a very good library, or by being part of book clubs and a family that reads a lot and a very literature oriented circle of friends, or by limited time (which, yes, should be spent reading, but not of the leisure kind. Reading of the scholastic kind, which is also great), or by the amazon era, in which recommender systems compound the problem by finding even more books to add to the list. Honestly, how am I ever supposed to keep up? I think I need some tougher standards for what makes my to read list.
A few weeks ago, I was seriously considering buying a Kindle, so I could put my class readings on it and read on the bus and while walking around campus (yes, I can read and walk, and have never injured myself doing so. Other than taking a year or two off my life here and there when I almost run into a tree or something). It was a really tough decision because, yes, it would be handy, but it's not really a necessity. I just need to be smarter about using my time. But the argument that clinched it for me was this: If I were to buy a Kindle, I would feel obligated to read homework assignments on the bus, instead of feeling justified in doing some nice leisure reading. And I sometimes spend 45 minutes doing bus rides. Now, why on earth would I want to take away my one justifiable reason to read for fun?
I did not buy a Kindle.
What's on your to-read list?
My dilemma is not helped by having access to a very good library, or by being part of book clubs and a family that reads a lot and a very literature oriented circle of friends, or by limited time (which, yes, should be spent reading, but not of the leisure kind. Reading of the scholastic kind, which is also great), or by the amazon era, in which recommender systems compound the problem by finding even more books to add to the list. Honestly, how am I ever supposed to keep up? I think I need some tougher standards for what makes my to read list.
A few weeks ago, I was seriously considering buying a Kindle, so I could put my class readings on it and read on the bus and while walking around campus (yes, I can read and walk, and have never injured myself doing so. Other than taking a year or two off my life here and there when I almost run into a tree or something). It was a really tough decision because, yes, it would be handy, but it's not really a necessity. I just need to be smarter about using my time. But the argument that clinched it for me was this: If I were to buy a Kindle, I would feel obligated to read homework assignments on the bus, instead of feeling justified in doing some nice leisure reading. And I sometimes spend 45 minutes doing bus rides. Now, why on earth would I want to take away my one justifiable reason to read for fun?
I did not buy a Kindle.
What's on your to-read list?
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